Transcript

Hello, and welcome to ‘Just a Moment News’ with your host, Erika, on this 16th of August, 2024. Let’s dive into today’s news stories.

First up, there’s been a major development in the tragic story of actor Matthew Perry. Five individuals, including Perry’s assistant and two doctors, have been charged in connection with his death. The charges stem from the distribution of ketamine and falsifying medical records. Perry, who had a long history of addiction struggles, passed away in October 2023 after consuming ketamine that was traced back to a drug dealer. This case has reignited discussions on the dangers and increasing recreational use of ketamine. Following his death, a foundation was established in his name to aid those battling addiction.

Moving on, a bit of international news from Russia where a US-Russian citizen, Karelina, has been sentenced to twelve years in jail for treason. The court in Yekaterinburg found her guilty of transferring funds intended to support the Ukrainian military on the first day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Although Karelina and her supporters claim she donated only fifty-one dollars and eighty cents to a charity focused on humanitarian aid, she was not included in a recent prisoner swap and remains detained in Russia.

In tech news from South Africa, Hitesh Bhagat, the global head of corporate communications for Truecaller, has addressed concerns about the app violating privacy laws. He assured that Truecaller does not harvest users’ contacts during signup and only accesses call data to identify whether a caller is known to the user. Despite this, there are ongoing concerns about how the app complies with South Africa’s Popia regulations.

Over in Johannesburg, the Fourways Mall is making headlines with its ambitious revival plans. After years of decline exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the mall’s new management team is implementing various improvements, including better lighting, revamped parking, and new stores and entertainment options. The community is hopeful that these changes will restore the mall’s status as a vibrant local landmark.

In scientific news, a study from Stanford Medicine has revealed that human aging occurs in bursts, specifically around the ages of forty-four and sixty. This finding challenges the conventional understanding of aging as a gradual process, showing instead that significant biomolecular changes during these periods can impact various aspects of health. The study also notes distinct differences in how aging affects men and women.

And in conservation news, researchers at the University of Pretoria have made a breakthrough in rhino care. They’ve found that attaching pulse oximeters to a rhino’s third eyelid gives a more accurate reading of blood oxygen levels during procedures like dehorning and relocation. This could greatly improve the safety and care of rhinos during these critical conservation efforts.

Lastly, a fascinating update on historical astronomy: Johannes Kepler’s sketches of sunspots from 1607 have provided new insights into solar activity during the early 17th century. These sketches, which predate other records, have helped scientists better understand the solar cycles leading up to the grand solar minimum. This discovery underscores the value of historical data in contemporary scientific research.

And now, our ‘Word of the Day’: Ephemeral. This word describes something that lasts for a very short time. It’s often used to highlight the transient nature of certain experiences or phenomena, emphasizing their brief, fleeting existence.

That wraps up today’s news on ‘Just a Moment News’. I’m Erika, and I hope you found these stories informative. Join us again tomorrow for more updates. Have a great day!

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